1. If you’re persistent enough, you will usually get what you want
It isn’t selfish to take a shower. It isn’t selfish to brush your hair. It isn’t selfish to have dessert alone.
1. Less cleaning. Need I say more?
Mom like a champion today. Baby isn't the only one who's growing up. Look at you—in charge of an sweet tiny human who trusts and adores you completely. When did you both get so big? Mother. Superhero. Changer-Of-The-Diaper-While-Baby-Wiggles-Away Extraordinaire. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. You more than earned a reward for rocking #momlife this week. May we suggest Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams—an artisan ice-cream ? delivery service that is 100% pure yum. Because you're worth it. Baby this week: Around 9 months most babies start to pull to stand. Try this: Encourage baby's standing (she may start in her crib, so make sure it's at the lowest setting) and you'll soon find her cruising across low-level furniture. Catch her while you can!
They say a mother's work is never done. We say—hire a once-a-month house cleaner, put your MIL on laundry duty, make your partner give you a night off, and take a break to do something that YOU love. Just for you. Just for fun. A mother's work is never done—unless she says, "I'm clocking out!" and makes it happen. The time to practice self-care is now. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Wondering what to do with your precious day/night/hour off? Try our new mother's self-care checklist for some inspired ideas. Baby this week: Baby is starting to jabber! Try this: Respond to her conversation as if you know exactly what she's saying. And although she's more likely to belt out "dada" before "mama," bond this week by telling her all about her lovely mother. "Mama is going out to dinner with her friends!"
We're not ones to brag—but you made a human with your body, gave birth and kept her alive for two straight months? You're kind of a big deal. ? Motherhood gives you superpowers—supersonic hearing, efficiency at work, the ability to change a diaper in the dark, and a depth of love you've never known. What you do with those newfound powers? Well, that's entirely up to you. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Not quite back to pre-pregnancy pants yet? (Neither are we.) Look chic during this transition period with a few new pieces from LeTote, a clothing subscription service that lets you rent an amazing everyday wardrobe. Use code MOTHERLY25 for $25 off your first month's membership. Baby this week: You'll start to soon see the beginning of hand-eye coordination. Try this: Promote coordination—Help your tot gently stroke a household pet, dangle a textured, crinkly toy for those little hands to swat, or lay baby on an activity gym and let her reach for overhead toys.
Reading list for baby #3: How-to survive manuals.
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
We do not fear the future, for the future is female—and full of inspiring men who stand beside us.
“I will not compare my postpartum body with any other moms’ postpartum bodies .”
4 body-positive lessons to teach our daughters.
Motherhood is all encompassing, for better and for worse.
The founder of Mama Glow on 5 ways to find your best mama self.
Wondering how to keep your career alive even if you choose to become a stay at home mom?
While it may not get any easier, trust me—it’s going to keep getting better.
She’s made positive impressions on my life that I’ll never forget.
Of course I felt like a phony parent—that’s how all mothers feel in the beginning.
Dads truly make the difference—in breastfeeding, birth recovery and baby’s happiness.